Faith a foundation and exploration for Trout

Nov. 27—Religion has long been a part of boxer/bare-knuckle fighter Austin Trout's life. He grew in the Christian faith.

In recent years, though, the former Las Cruces resident has been seen and heard speaking in Hebrew at the beginning of pre-fight and post-fight interviews.

It is not, he said during a recent interview, a conversion to Judaism as much as an expansion and an exploration of his beliefs.

"It's not (a conversion) officially," he said. "But I am inclined to follow Torah."

Trout said he's read the Holy Bible multiple times and became troubled by what he felt were contradictions in the scriptures.

"It became clearer and clearer that we should follow Torah. ... (Then) more studies and learning from books like Mishnah and the Gemara.

"I haven't officially converted in the synagogue, so to speak. But we're inclined to follow the Torah. We celebrate Passover, Yom Kippur, et cetera."

Of his faith, whether Christianity or Judaism, he said, "It's always been a big part (of his life).

"... Spirituality has led me to try to open my mind to other things. Like, I mean, quantum physics has been kind of an explanation of spirituality and science. It's a perfect blend.

"Kabbalah (sometimes defined as a Jewish mystical tradition) got me to quantum. It's really opened my mind so much."

As a boxer, Trout won a U.S. amateur national title in 2004 and that year was an Olympic alternate. As a professional, he won a WBA world title in 2011 and has a 37-5-1 record with 18 knockouts.

He made his BKFC (bare-knuckle) debut in 2023 and has a 4-0 record. He's preparing for a BKFC lightweight title-elimination fight against Luis Palomino on Dec. 5 in Hollywood, Florida.